Gaza truce

A resolution calling for an immediate truce in Gaza during Ramadan, the unconditional release of captives, and quick action to increase the flow of humanitarian supplies into the conflict zone was approved by the UN Security Council on Monday.

Even though the US chose not to use its veto authority and instead abstained, there were 14 votes in support of the motion. Taken aback by the sudden development, Israel claims its all-weather partner has deserted it. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, expressed his unhappiness by calling off an Israeli delegation’s trip to the US.

Even though the resolution is not legally enforceable, the US’s refusal to reject it reveals divisions between Tel Aviv and Washington. Although the US has said that its position on the subject has not changed, Israel is not placated by this assurance. The Joe Biden administration has been backing Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas and providing important military assistance, but it has also voiced alarm over the increasing number of civilian fatalities. Over 32,000 Palestinians have died in the nearly six-month-old conflict as a result of Israeli reprisals for strikes carried out by terrorists commanded by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Unfortunately, the warring parties have become more entrenched in their positions, with Israel attacking the UN Security Council decision and Hamas rejecting the most recent offer for a truce and captive release from international mediators. Israel claims that the resolution has given Hamas more confidence by implying that international pressure will terminate the conflict without requiring the terrorist organisation to make any compromises. Without a doubt, Israel is becoming more and more alone in the world and can no longer rely only on US assistance. The international community should step up its pressure on Israel to let up and give peace in Gaza a shot. The timing is right.